What kind of rescue dog is best for you, labrador, cockerspaniel, or mixed breed?

What kind of dog would be best for your family and your lifestyle? It’s very, very important for you to take a look at what your time and schedule looks like when adopting a dog.

What is your job, your family, or your day look like?

Do you work outside of the home? Do you have have a family or are you single? Do you have aging parents that live with you or do you have children? How about your living space? Is it a house or an apartment? Does your house have a back yard and is it fenced? In your apartment grounds is there a fenced in dog area? Are you an active person or are you sedentary? Will you walk your dog or will you hire a dog walker? All of these questions are very important to consider when adopting a family pet. If you work outside of the home and are gone a good part of the day or even travel, then a dog may not fit into your life style, unless you take your dog to a doggy day care or hire a dog walker. Maybe a cat would be a better choice for you. Cats are very independent, don’t mind the solitude and sleep a lot. If you have a family with very active children, will you be home enough to give the dog the attention he/she needs? I have 3 grown adult children and during their preteen and teen years we were rarely home because of all of their sports activities. Fortunately, we had a dog that could come with us to the events. Although we have a big back yard that is fenced in, I still take my dog, Cinnamon for a long walk, 1-2 times a day. The walk gives her the exercise she needs, and it also provides her with socialization of people and other dogs and exposes her to new environments to peak her curiosity.

Labrador or pug adoption? Let’s explore the different characteristics

Business Insider ranked the 11 best dog breeds, based on factors including health, personality, and overall popularity.

1. Mixed breeds-No matter what mix of breeds, mutts are awesome. Mixed-breeds are believed to have less genetically inherited health problems than purebreds, according to veterinarian Dr. Sarah Ward Fatula.

Plus, if you adopt your mixed-breed from the shelter, not only will they already be spayed/neutered, micro chipped, and up to date with vaccines, but you’ll also be rescuing!

2. Labrador retrievers-There’s a reason why Labs are the most popular breed in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, as well as here in the U.S. They are devoted and obedient and have even temperaments that make them good with both children and other animals.

Bred to be eager to please and playful companions, Labs are smart and commonly chosen as guide dogs and service dogs for blind or autistic individuals. We had a golden lab and a brown retriever when my kids were growing up. Talk about SMART! They would get into all sorts of fun trouble together!! These are larger animals and need a larger living space and a lot of physical exercise.

3. Corgis-Though they can be shy with strangers, Corgis are good with children and have a strong desire to please their owners. Corgis are on the smaller size and do not need as big of a living space. Apartments or a house would work.

4. German Shepherds-German Shepherds are exceptional animals: Courageous, obedient, incredibly loyal, and eager to learn. They are very intelligent too, and excel at most anything they’re trained to do. These dogs usually used as service dogs and police dogs. German Shepherds love their humans so much that they will suffer from separation anxiety, and can become destructive when bored alone at home. German Shepherd are a medium size dog and will need a larger living space.

5. Beagles-beagles are friendly, curious dogs that adapt well into families. They are good with children and love playing and being petted. They are generally easy going but when they don’t like something they let out a howl that will make anyone jump! They howl so loud and long that they can be quite annoying! Beagles are not good apartment dogs because of the howling! Even neighbors will complain! Beagles can be trained though to help with this.

6. Poodles-they’re easy to train since they’re so intelligent, and are lively, fun-loving, and loyal family dogs. Poodles can be attention seekers, so don’t be surprised if this people-oriented breed is constantly with you. These dogs also protective of their families and homes, and can become aggressive with people outside the family or with other dogs. Poodles can range anywhere from a toy poodle (10 lbs) to a full size poodle (50 lbs).

7. Siberian huskies are stunning animals, with their thick fur coat and piercing eyes. Most people who choose a Husky do so for their extraordinary beauty. Huskies are good-natured dogs who are affectionate with children. They shed minimally, except for twice a year when they blow out their coat, and don’t have the typical “dog odor” that bigger breeds tend to have.

8. Golden retrievers-Goldens are sweet, loyal, and incredible companion dogs. They’d rather be sleeping at your feet then running around outside without you. These dogs also very even-tempered, especially with small children. Goldens make great service and comfort dogs because of their friendly and tolerant attitudes.

9. Maltese-Let’s all say it…”AWE!!!!!” One of the most ancient of the toy breeds, Maltese dogs were bred to be sweet and adoring of their owners. The Greeks even erected tombs for their Maltese dogs, and in Elizabethan times, they were called “The Comforter” because it was believed they could relieve pain and cure illness. Along with this, Maltese dogs are hypoallergenic, with silky coats that don’t shed. This is great for those of us with allergies! Their small size makes them great apartment or house dogs.

10. Newfound Land-Do you remember the original Peter Pan? Do you remember the “nanny or nurse dog?” Then you already know a newfoundland dog!! Known as “nature’s babysitter,” Newfoundland Dogs are the absolute sweetest. These gentle giants are highly loyal and easy to train, and are legendary for their docile temper.

11. Portugese water dogs-These dogs good for people with allergies and make excellent companions since they are loving, independent, intelligent, and easy to train. They love to be petted! They are one the bigger side so make sure you have a big enough living space to accomodate their size.

There are so many loving dogs to choose to adopt!!!

Be honest about your lifestyle and what you can handle and you will find the perfect dog for you!